The Circle FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
What is The Circle?
The Circle is a group of philanthropic women committed to enhaincing lives by funding VBMA community-focused initiatives through art enrichment programs.
Why would I want to join The Circle?
1. The Circle gives members an opportunity to have a greater impact on the community by combining each gift with the gifts of others.
2. You will have many opportunities to meet and collaborate with like-minded women who share common interests and priorities.
3. Learn about and experience the VBMA’s art education programs that reach people of diverse demographics in our community.
How many members are there now? What’s the membership goal?
The Circle is thriving. We currently have 157 members and have a goal of 250 by 2027.
I’m a new member. How do I get involved?
We encourage you to attend the general member meetings, sign up for the special member-only events, join a committee or sign up for a program observation to witness firsthand the value and impact these community outreach programs have on the participants in our community.
How much does it cost?
The annual dues are a minimum of $325. Many members give more to help offset administrative costs for meetings, print materials, sponsor meetings, etc.
How is the money spent?
100% of the annual dues are used to support and sponsor on the education outreach programs of the VBMA. The Circle votes annually to choose which programs are funded with the membership dues.
Do my Circle dues include Museum membership?
No. The VBMA offers many membership level options that may be purchased at the Museum’s Visitor’s Services Desk or online at vbmuseum.org/membership.
Who pays for meeting costs and printed materials?
These costs are offset by members’ contributions to underwrite administrative costs and to sponsor specific events: The Opening Tea, February Breakfast, and Closing Reception. If you are interested in donating to offset administration costs, please visit vbmuseum.org/the-circle-join.
Mission
Why was The Circle established?
The Circle was established in 2009 to ensure that art education remains accessible to residents of all ages and abilities in our community, regardless of economic status. Formed to bring friends together, The Circle magnifies the impact of individual giving by pooling member gifts together to fund the Museum’s key outreach initiatives for underserved children and adults.
What are the goals of The Circle?
Our goal is to fund a variety of programs through the VBMA that are accessible to all residents in the Vero Beach and Indian River County community.
Is The Circle an independent 501(c)3?
The Circle exists as a committee under the Museum’s non-profit status as a 501(c)3. Your Circle membership dues are therefore fully tax deductible.
What is the 5-Year Strategic Plan?
Our goal is to raise $100,000 per year by 2027 and to keep our members engaged and excited about being part of The Circle. We aim to attract new members so that we can ensure that the VBMA outreach initiatives continue to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities in our community.
Programs
Who chooses the slate of programs presented?
The Museum’s education and development staff present a slate of programs to propose to The Circle for funding each year.
What if a program that is important to me is not on the slate?
If a program that matters to you is not on the slate, you may contribute to that program directly by contacting Elizabeth Tullis, etullis@vbmuseum.org.
If a program is not selected by The Circle, does that mean it will not be continued at the Museum?
Not necessarily. The Museum will endeavor to find funding for all the programs being proposed. However, the programs may not be as robust, or an expansion of a program may be delayed if the funding is not readily available.
Are program costs available during the presentation of programs?
No. We do not share program costs in advance to avoid any external influence during the voting process.
Why are the same programs slated year after year?
While the programs offered by the Museum may seem the same year over year, funds from The Circle provide opportunities to expand existing programs and introduce new ones. The Circle was created to ensure that these valued programs continue to be accessible, and funding by The Circle is important to ensure their existence. Many programs require consistent annual funding to remain a sustainable resource to Indian River County residents.
Why can’t we allocate money to all programs?
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by 2027 to fulfill the mission of The Circle which is to fully fund all VBMA outreach programs as voted on by the membership.
Why should I sign up for a Program Observation?
The heart of The Circle is the programs we support. By signing up to be on the Program Observation Committee, you will have an opportunity to experience firsthand the value and impact these programs have on the people in our community.
For additional questions, please feel free to contact Stuart Weismiller, Communications Chair or Jean Spaulding Kjellman, Membership Chair.
Click the JOIN NOW button or download the membership form here.
Click here to view our Strategic Plan.